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A dynamic, innovative, wonderfully diverse school that is successfully preparing both my son and daughter to excel in the big-yet-shrinking Global environment we live in!

- submitted by a
parent

August 19, 2014

I fully disagree with the parent complaining about West Cary s retesting policy especially since a significant number of schools do not offer ANY retesting policy. As a parent, I realize that the best way to find out how a school operates is to visit the environment. The facts are that West Cary has a good principal and extremely dedicated teachers who deserve the little bit of autonomy left in education (retesting policy). Do not allow parental bitterness to enter your taste buds...West Cary teachers go above and beyond. I would also like to clarify a very important spelling lesson for the February 3rd commenter/complainer: principle and principal are two different words. I am thankful that all parents do not find fault. Positivity prevails.

- submitted by a
parent

February 26, 2014

We've had an inconsistent experience at WCMS thus far. One of our son's teachers is very dynamic, involved, creative, and keeps parents engaged. Another of his teachers is disorganized, doesn't update parents on anything, and has been inconsistent in her teaching and testing methods. The fact that the teachers at the school are allowed to "design" their own re-test policy is mind-boggling to me - there is zero consistency in how students re-test and what grade they can earn. Our son has one teacher who lets them earn half-credit by reworking the problems they miss, while they have another that gave them the correct answers, told them to go home and re-do the test, and then gave them full credit. My only interaction with the principal thus far has been frustrating - when I asked her about the re-test policy, she said "it's up to the teachers, you'll have to follow up with each of them."

- submitted by a
parent

February 03, 2014

West cary middle The principle is as unapproachable as possible The teachers are a hit or miss. The office staff, behaves like you are the last person they want to see The new assistant principle, is as rude as it can come That should tell you what the principle is like, you attract your own kind. The good students will not be helped. Don't waste your kids time if they are good in studies. The most decent and good person was the councillor, who moved. Sad that they let her go. The new one is a joke. Be prepared that your kid will not have time to eat, because they have new rules every day. Dont complain, the parent and school relation admin will chew you out. Seriously do not waste your kids future here.

- submitted by a
parent

November 04, 2013

I was a little overwhelmed with middle school when we first arrived at West Cary. All of my son's fears are completely gone and we really appreciate all of communication we receive from the Principal and the staff. I get emails weekly and the teachers use their blackboard to better communicate with parents after school hours. We absolute love it.

- submitted by a
parent

September 11, 2013

Last night I attended Open House at West Cary and it was one of the most organized Open Houses Ive been to ever - minus the presentations by the Parent Organizations. My son started 6th grade this year and all of his teachers send emails to us biweekly letting us know exactly what is going on in their class and all of them have a blackboard site that shows their weekly assignments and print any worksheets they had in class straight from their individual website. Each teacher did a presentation that was very helpful and informative to the parents. The 6th grade Vice Principal came into the different classes we rotated too and answered any questions we had. I have really been impressed with how involved and on point the teachers are here!

- submitted by a
parent

August 16, 2013

Filled with behavioral issues. My only regret is I didn't move my child after week 2. A friend called me crying that her child had to go to this school and I motivated her to stay. Therefore I felt obligated to stay. Teachers deal with to many behavioral issues in the class. Fights are frequent. We are not returning and I know several families leaving. Some transferred, went to magnets, charter, and private. I should have paid attention to the reviews.

- submitted by a
parent

August 04, 2013

My older has graduated from west cary and my younger one is starting 6th grade. I am extrememly satisfied with the Teachers, Principal.

- submitted by a
parent

August 01, 2013

I have an 8th grader who just left the school and a 7th grader who will be there this year. During graduation last year I talked to many of the 8th grade teachers and most of them are leaving. One of the teachers told me that about a third of the staff is leaving. The problem they say is with the principal who has little talent in her job. As a parent volunteer I witnessed this many times first hand. If you are planning to move to Cary, Davis Drive or Mills Park will be a much better alternative. I am still trying to transfer my son.

- submitted by a
parent

July 19, 2013

Regarding last sentence of July 2, 2013, review: "I am SURE (my caps added for emphasis) data proves west cary students struggle in high school." What data is she referring to? May I suggest parents check with Cary high, Green Hope High, and Panther Creek High before accepting this statement. Also, check out the universities that West Cary graduates at Green Hope High Class of 2013 will be attending in August, including UNC-CH and NC State Engineering. Let's look at hard data before we sling around around suppositions.

- submitted by a
parent

July 18, 2013

My family and I have had a great experience with WCMS the last 4 years we've been there. I have a daughter (rising Sophomore) and a son (rising 7th grader) that flourished at this great school. The teachers work very hard to stay in constant contact with us as parents and the Administration has on open door policy and has always been willing to drop whatever they are doing to speak with parents to answer any questions or listen to concerns. My daughter expressed that some of the things she learned in her LA and SS classes such as various study skills and note taking techniques have helped her in her classes in high school. My son, who was quite apprehensive about middle school and has never really liked school at all is now eager to go to school and has met lots of great friends at WC. WCMS staff, YOU ROCK!

- submitted by a
parent

July 02, 2013

School is loose with handling behavioral issues. To much time spent disciplining in the class. The buses also have behavioral issues. Math Counts lacked parent and teacher volunteers. Career day has ton of volunteers. Tutoring is offered once a week for each course, however I would recommend at least 3 times a week. We tried to get transferred but was declined. Therefore we are attending private the next two years. the AG Program is not high in quality. Students are given 2 tries on a test, and you get an automatic 100 for turning in homework. This is a setup for failure because West Cary and Davis Drive only allow retakes if you make below a 70. You cant achieve higher than a 70 on the retake, this pushes Mills Park and Davis Drive students to study hard and Ace tests the first time. Problem is West Cary Students competes with Mills Park and Davis Drive children in high school. I am sure data proves West Cary students struggle in high school.

- submitted by a
parent

June 19, 2013

My daughter just graduated from West Cary Middle School and she loved it and so did her family. We love the hands on approach that the entire faculty has for every child within the school. I conversated often with the principal and she is a true leader who believes that each child deserves the best education. If I had more children entering middle school, I would drive them to West Cary where learning is evident in all classes.

- submitted by a
parent

June 19, 2013

My son attended school here and I have been above satisfied. I moved to the area so my son could attend this school out of another district that I felt was unsafe. The Principal welcomed my son and communicated everything to us. The staff was very pleasant and nurturing. My son is learning disabled and the teachers were wonderful. He blossomed and is more open to learning having attended West Cary. I was sad when he had to leave to attend high school, but he was well prepared from the nurturing he received from West Cary,

- submitted by a
parent

June 19, 2013

I just visited West Cary today and I was welcomed by the summer staff. Everyone that I met was very polite. I did not meet any teachers today but I was informed about the teacher blackboard pages and how every teacher has one so all parents will have access to daily assignments and expectations. A big change from my other middle school in Wake County. I think I am going to love West Cary this school year.

- submitted by a
parent

June 12, 2013

HORRIBLE SCHOOL! Coming from the best middle school in another state made us very biased. We relied on the GreatSchools website to pick out a neighborhood so we could enroll our child in this school. Big mistake. Very behind the times, very little technology, rude registrar, no communications from teachers (I have to send quite a few follow-up emails to get a response). Registrar was so rude, the family in front of me walked out! They were asking how to deposit money onto their child's lunch account. The registrar had no idea and just kept repeating that they will have to find out themselves and to research on-line. Unbelievable. Never get update calls from the principal, which was really nice where we lived and we actually knew what was happening at the school besides hearing it from our children. IMO, it showed the principal cared about the children and parents alike. Security is bad. I dropped my child off after an appointment, walked in the door, past the office and nobody ever stopped me. Nice. Had I been able to tour the school before moving, I never, ever would have moved to our current neighborhood.

- submitted by a
parent

February 07, 2013

i went to school here about 4 years ago. i am now in 11th grade and when i look back it was the most fun i had in my life. If you don't like the teachers or the principle isn't emailing you back, get used to it. That's what high school is.

- submitted by a
community member

January 25, 2013

I am new to this school in 7th grade, and they are very nice. The staff are the nicest, and also, that was the past, but this is 2013, and we have a big variety of classes. Now one thing, a lot of people brag about their smartness, even though they are not smart. Well duh! That is why they give tests. Also, one of the bus drivers required a sixth grader to have paperwork to get on the bus, because she changed buses. But that won't happen again. Don't think that everyone are bad in West Cary, because 85 percent are really good. Just the bad apples cause the most complaints. Our school has contests, fun activities, and a lot of hope for our students. Not one hall has no sign that doesn't have a hope sign on it. I can guarantee, that if you send your child here, they will have the best time, with out nice staff, and our friendly children, your child will succeed, have fun, and most of all, make friends! People instantly come up to you and say, " Hey! You want to go to the library?" They are very nice, and you will be happy that you sent your child ot this great, heart-warming, wonderful school. Everyday, someone is smiling, and nobody is racist. Great people, succeed!

- submitted by a
parent

October 26, 2012

This is my daughter 2nd year in West Cary and she loves it. The staff are great the principal and principal assistant are doing an excellent job. It's really a good school I am satisfy that my daughter goes there.

- submitted by a
parent

September 17, 2012

The students here In my grade are snobby kids who all live in Preston and if you don't they don't even look at you I am a new student in 7th grade and I was never there in elementary school so nobody talks to me. I was trying to make a converstn with one girl and she blank told me "I don't want to talk to you" i mean the academic system is fine and such but the students are mean and there not that many after school activity other than sports

- submitted by a
community member

August 27, 2012

One of the smallest Middle Schools on this side of Cary. However, it has the reputation of having a very poor administrative staff even with its small size. Previous reviews mentioned the strings program. The school does not have a strong reputation in the arts.

- submitted by a
parent

August 20, 2012

I can't wait to get out of this school. I am now in eighth grade and i strongly dislike this school, they should pay more attention to our opinions and some of us aren't treated fairly and the principal is a NIGHTMARE. They should also do some renovations, the lockers are so disgusting (gum, food, etc.), another thing I found annoying was that two staff said "Im getting paid to do this", like they don't even care for our learning just the money, also not much opportunites for electives and clubs. Can't wait to leave!!

- submitted by a
community member

August 20, 2012

I am a parent of a current middle schooler and a child attending Green Hope in the fall. I feel that my rising 9th grader is well prepared with the education received at West Cary. The teachers are attentive and caring, and they have a great arts program - including strings which you don't find at a lot of schools. A school can only give if the student is willing to receive, and in that aspect I have no complaints. The teachers at West Cary care about their students and prepare them quite well for high school, which is what middle school is all about.

- submitted by a
parent

April 23, 2012

I have had two children in West Cary and I love all the teachers. There are many deficits, however. There are very limited electives. There are no after school clubs (except for sports and the yearly musical). For this year AND last year, an entire grade (7th last year, 8th this year) had to eat lunch with their previous period classmates instead of their friends because of the behavior and messiness of a few. This went on from the middle of the year all the way to the end of the year last year and this year it is still ongoing. I can understand a week or two, but half the year?! I wrote an (very courteous) e-mail to the principal protesting the length of this punishment and she did not even do me the courtesy of answering my e-mail! How unprofessional! And recently all the students were kept after school for about 20 minutes (my kids told me after the fact it was for a lecture on drugs) with no prior notice and no letter afterward, or communication of any kind! I was really worried about where my kids were and they did not even bother to tell us, even after the fact? Bad communication and bad policies.

- submitted by a
parent

November 07, 2011

as a 9th grade student I have to say leaving this school all i have to bring with me is a fifth grade education, truckloads of hilarious story's of incompetence, a ridiculous vice principal who would probably rather be a CIA agent and a school principal who i could easily beat at a grammar-off (if there is such a thing). Sure i had good times, i just didn't learn anything.

- submitted by a
community member

July 15, 2011

I have had 2 children go through West Cary, the last being the 2010-2011 school year. The school improved a lot this last year. Many students got reassigned to newly opened schools, so the student body got much smaller and more controllable. However, the principal is a disgrace. She is unorganized, unprofessional. Her use of the English language is terrible. There are many good teachers, but there are some HORRIBLE ones that, despite complaints and evidence, just got shuffled around from grade to grade, but stay at the school. My child had one such teacher for English, it it amazes me that the teacher is still on staff. My children are basically good students, so the experience at W. Cary did not hurt them, but they got nothing out of it. My next child will not be attending this school, even if we have to go private, unless something gets done in the next few years. The community is good and the school could be awesome. I really believe the administration is terrible and needs to be overhauled.

- submitted by a
parent

June 18, 2011

I went to this school and the principal was putting up unnecessary rules such as "no silly bands because they cause confusion" and when i was in 7th grade, she said that everyone was running and pushing and shoving on the way to the cafeteria, and it was "unsafe" no one was pushing or shoving or ANYTHING like that. She made us be walked to the cafeteria by our 6th period teacher, and then we had to sit in classes "temporarily" (it lasted the rest of the year). A lot of the kids at this school are distracting, and the lockers are dirty. I had some used gum from who knows when stuck to one hook of my locker and my locker got cramped because i wasn't using the dirty hook. The technology is horrible and we don't have a SINGLE smart board that i know of that actually works. That may sound trivial but look at Millspark! They have a smart board in EVERY classroom!!!!! One of the teachers i had is completely clueless! Someone needs to fix this school!

- submitted by a
community member

April 05, 2011

WCMS, is now a very nice school, i know this because i am a student there. They have a no fail police, which means if you fail a test you are forced to retake it until you pass, which to me is great. And, if you do not do an assiment teachers cannot give you a lower grade than a 50 so your basically automatically given 50 points. And not to mention the AG program,Collage Prep( collage is possible for me), which i am currently in it educates you about collage,but you can only be nominated to get in this program. But with all these good thing theres gonna be a bad, the kids at WCMS aren't the nicest kids.

- submitted by a
community member

January 31, 2011

This school has a very poor understanding of students needs. I have had a bunch of medical issues over the years and many of the staff have been cold and harsh toward my family and one of the counselors insulted my family. It is an ok school for learning, the teachers are ok, but the times in between classes are 4 minutes which is insane when it is such a large school! I am very upset with them most of the time and they always stress me out as a student. The only nice experience I had here was the first day I got there and that is about it.

- submitted by a
community member

September 26, 2010

Wow. I feel the exact same way. We moved here in August also and thought West Cary was ok based on Great Schools reviews, but it is not. We tried to get a transfer to both our Magnet school and Davis drive and we were denied. There is no way coming out of West Cary the kids will be prepared for high school. It is sad that such disparity exists in the middle schools in Cary.

- submitted by a
parent

August 09, 2010

IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET YOUR CHILD INTO DAVIS Dr. We live almost equidistant between the 2 schools, but ended up at West Cary. I was just wondering which Middle Sch. the big fancy houses across from Weatherstone Elem. School were zoned for? Davis Drive is clearly the far superior school. Why can't they bring West Cary up to that level? I thought Cary had such an excellent school system & was so proud of that reputation? The School Board needs to give West Cary some immediate attention to address this disparity. Where did the School Board disappear to after the election?? This isn't a "neighborhood school" issue. I don't reside in the "projects. My home is 2/10ths or a mi. further from Davis Dr. When I moved here I never expected to come upon a "bad" school; I had heard all the schools in Cary were "great".

- submitted by a
parent

June 12, 2010

My son attended this school for 2 years and I am so glad he's been reassigned for 8th grade. This focus is on the school's performance, not the student's, and they don't seem to realize this ulitmately hurts the students. The lowest grade my son ever received was a 60, even when he didn't do the assignment. Bullying is rampant, and the administrators pay lip service to "zero tolerance" but don't really do anything to stop or control it. The teachers run the gamut from very dedicated and passionate about their jobs to those counting the days until retirement.

- submitted by a
parent

April 21, 2010

Being a student at West Cary, I would know about the lack of support and care we recieve from our faculty and staff! I have to say that some teachers are supportive and helpful! But for the most part, teachers are on the verge on insanity! I do enjoy all of the students attending. Overall the school is mediocre and the students are great! We do enjoy the boys attending, being teenage girls! LOL!

- submitted by a
student

no ratingApril 14, 2010

I love West Cary because the kids there are amazing, but unfortunately don't have a lot and the school is very run down. It would make such a difference if they could win the 20,000.

- submitted by a
parent

July 26, 2009

I think that every thing that people have been saying in here is very true! The staff does everything from the book, parents don't know about anything that's happening in the school.There are very few clubs you can participate in! My friend goes to Lufkin middle school and there are a bunch of clubs and extracurricular activities in their school. If you want to get ahead of the crowed by going to a higher math class, even if you have straight 'A's' like me and a-lot of people they just won't accept you and I'm not just talking about them not accepting you,they don't even listen to your opinion in that school! lets not even talk about the principle she is just a nightmare, I think we were much better with Mr.Thilman but now that he is the principle of Cary high I think this school isn't going to last.

- submitted by a
student

July 23, 2009

Very understanding teachers, the school principal takes great pride in her school

- submitted by a
parent

June 02, 2009

This review submitted without content.

- submitted by a
parent

March 21, 2009

I think the school is awful! You can only pick 1 elective. Plus I made a 99 on my EOG (over a hundred actually-hand graded by a teacher because i got field test questions right) and made straight A's which were around a 96-102 average. Yet when I applied for Algebra in 7th grade they refused! Yet a kid who did worse then me, was allowed to take a test and skip! I was given no oppertunity to take a test. so here I am getting higher marks on tests, like mathcounts and AMC8, then the Algebra students and still stuck in a Pre-Algebra class. I strongly dislike this school!

- submitted by a
student

February 06, 2009

My son ais a sixth grader at this school. The principal does not care about the students' academic development. I have met with her many times concerning issues with the school and staff. My comments fell on deaf ears and were unwelcome. Some teachers really care about the children though. My son will not be attending this school next year.

- submitted by a
parent

August 15, 2008

This review submitted without content.

- submitted by a
student

no ratingJune 25, 2008

Oh I forgot to say the online access to grades is excellent. They also post all assignments online. It is nice to know where you child stands and you can always email the teachers if you have any questions or concerns. I agree that the classes are appropriately challenging. Overall a good school but I do think they need to recognize students efforts more at the end of the year.

- submitted by a
parent

no ratingJune 04, 2008

They have no recognition for students who have straight A's for the 4th quarter or the whole year through. No honors classes but the students do learn a lot in all of their subjects. It is not too difficult but not too easy either. Bullying can be an issue, especially with the girls. Other than that, I feel it is a good school.

- submitted by a
parent

January 30, 2008

We are very happy with WCMS. We recently came here from another state and are amazed at the differentiation that is done with our gifted child by the teachers, because of these excellent classroom teachers the education level is appropriately challenging. For those that complain about class size, it was 36 per class in our last state. Here my child has 23-26, small in my opinion! The new principal is great, very proactive. The numbers are good and the teachers fantastic! I love the new online access to student grades, makes keeping up with students progress easy on parents, students, and teachers! Considering that Cary is a transplant area with high turn over of children, the staff is like a well-oiled machine and makes the family adjustment seamless.

- submitted by a
parent

November 07, 2007

West Cary MS continues to disappoint me time and time again. My child has not science teacher for an entire quarter, only substitutes. The administrative and teaching staff is disorganized. The principals are usually busy attending to the many 'discipline problems'. They seem to have a 'punish the whole for the actions of a few' policy at this school. The building is falling apart. Overcrowding interferes with student fulfillment, compromises student safety and diminishes parent satisfaction.

- submitted by a
parent

September 13, 2007

I disagree with the previously posted negative reviews and find them to be unobjective. The teachers and staff work hard to keep me updated my son's progress and display a genuinely sincere interest in his development. Much of the instruction does appear to 'come straight from the book', but there are good reasons for that. The criteria for rating the school should be how well the educational material is delivered. And it's delivered very well. Parts of the building are quite old but are well maintained. My son has had no complaints about West Cary Middle School.

- submitted by a
parent

no ratingSeptember 13, 2007

My daughter has started 6th grade at WCMS three weeks ago. It is a huge transition for anyone coming from Elementary to Middle School. This school is doing its absolute best. I believe in the principal and the staff. My concern is the size of the classes. The teachers have no choice but to adhere to ridgid unimaginative standards just to get the core curriculum out. There is not enough time for every kid to participate in class. Parent involvement is critical in any childs education, but you essentially have to re-teach a lot of the material because there are so many distractions in class. Shame on the Wake County School Board for not anticipating the high growth of this area.

- submitted by a
parent

May 14, 2007

My son is in west cary for the first time this year. Most of the teaching staff could care less about the students progress. No updates are given on problems with class work until the progress reports come home unless it is initiated by a parent. The amount of time sub's are used is enormous. The curriculum assistance course is a joke. It is difficult that living in such a wealthy town that our middle school is so substandard.

- submitted by a
parent

April 25, 2007

I am a student at West Cary Middle School and the school is not the best. The education level is not what other schools around us get. We Learn straight from the book, like the parent before said. Now that there is a new principal, things are really changing. I'm not sure if it's for the good yet, but only time can tell that. It seems to me that the parents have no say in anything at West Cary Middle School. You'd think the school would listen to parents remarks about the school, but they don't. You can go into any class room or hallway and you can see just how 'well' west cary is kept. The place is horrible and I think I would have gotten a better education at another middle school.

- submitted by a
student

March 02, 2007

Dear Parents, West Cary Middle School has poor academic progrmas. At West Cary everything is by the book. Creativity is definitley not used in teaching. Parents really have no say in education.

- submitted by a
student

February 23, 2004

This review submitted without content.

- submitted by a
parent

January 28, 2004

My son has attended this school since 6th grade and I can just tell you that it is a school that actually cares for its students. I volunteer my time tutoring & have done so now for 3 yrs. I can not tell you in words how wonderful the music department is, because I would not have enough space. Both our son and ourselves have been please with the education our son has received. Their advance courses are great.

- submitted by a
parent

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